Low Mast Cell Density Predicts Poor Prognosis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Reduces Survival in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Background: The cellular composition of the tumor microenvironment (TME) at the invading front of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) may reflect biologically important cancer features and host responses, and thus be related to disease progression. The TME density of mast cells (MCs), macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and endothelial cells were quantified at the invasive front and analyzed regarding their relation to disease recurrence in patients with small T1/2N0M0 OSCCs. mRNA for MC-specific proteins were analyzed in a second patient cohort with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Self-reported Symptoms to Monitor Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer-Analysis of 1,678 Cases.

Aim: The aim of this article was to study the clinical significance of subjective symptoms of recurrence in patients treated for primary head and neck cancer.

Materials And Methods: Clinical data of 1,678 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck admitted at the Department of Oto-rhino-laryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Oslo University Hospital during a period of 15 years (1983-1997) were analyzed.

Results: A total of 525 (31%) patients had recurrence during follow-up, 74% of these within the first two years after primary treatment.